How Much Decomposed Granite for a 5x50 Walkway?
How much decomposed granite for a 5x50 walkway is a quick volume problem. 250 square feet at 3 inches comes to 2.31 cubic yards. Decomposed granite usually weighs about 1.25 to 1.45 tons per cubic yard, so plan on roughly 3.1 tons.
Volume and tonnage calculator →The math for a 5x50 walkway
- Area: 5 × 50 = 250 sq ft.
- Depth in feet: 3 ÷ 12 = 0.250 ft.
- Cubic feet: 250 × 0.250 = 62.5 cu ft.
- Cubic yards: ÷ 27 = 2.31 yd³.
- Tons: × 1.35 = 3.1 tons.
The volume and tonnage calculator does this for any size.
Decomposed granite needed by depth
| Depth | Cubic yards | Tons (approx.) | Tons +10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 1.54 | 2.1 | 2.3 |
| 3 in | 2.31 | 3.1 | 3.4 |
| 4 in | 3.09 | 4.2 | 4.6 |
About decomposed granite
Decomposed granite (DG) is weathered granite broken into small particles and fines. It packs into a firm, natural-looking path surface, and stabilized versions include a binder. Weight per yard is a planning number; the scale ticket at the yard is the real one.
Preparing the walkway
Dig the path a few inches below grade, compact the bottom, add fabric if needed and install edging on both sides so the material stays on the walk. Since the walkway carries foot traffic, a little extra depth is cheap insurance.
Ordering tips
- Round up. Compaction and uneven ground eat material. Adding about 10 percent is common.
- Delivery size. 3.4 tons fits in a single typical dump truck load; small loads may carry a delivery fee. See how many tons of gravel in a dump truck.
- Bulk vs bags. At this size bulk delivery is usually the practical choice.
- Where it drops. Have the truck dump as close to the walkway as firm ground allows.
Good and poor uses for decomposed granite
Good uses:
- Garden paths and patios with a natural look
- Around trees and in xeriscape designs
- Stabilized DG for accessible paths
Poor fit for:
- Steep grades without a stabilizer
- Areas right outside doors, since fines track in
- Driveways with heavy turning traffic
Quick reference numbers
- Per inch over 100 sq ft: about 0.42 tons of decomposed granite (0.31 cubic yards).
- Per inch over 1,000 sq ft: about 4.2 tons.
- Another size for comparison: a 15x30 area at 4 inches takes about 7.5 tons.
- Weight used here: about 1.35 tons per cubic yard.
Mistakes that throw off the order
- Forgetting that compaction shrinks loose material. A loose 4-inch spread of a dense-graded stone may finish closer to 3 inches after rolling.
- Skipping drainage. Water sitting under any surface softens the base and leads to ruts and potholes.
- Ordering exactly the math. Uneven ground and spillage nearly always need a little more than the flat calculation.
- Assuming every supplier uses the same weight. Two yards selling the same product name can quote different tons per yard.
Questions people ask
How many tons of decomposed granite for a 5x50 walkway?
About 3.1 tons at 3 inches deep, or 3.4 tons with 10 percent extra.
How many cubic yards is a 5x50 walkway at 3 inches?
About 2.31 cubic yards.
How much does a cubic yard of decomposed granite weigh?
Usually around 1.25 to 1.45 tons, depending on stone size, fines and moisture.
How deep should decomposed granite be for a walkway?
The table above shows 2 to 4 inches. Shallower depths suit top dressing; deeper depths suit new installs and heavier use.
How many square feet is 5x50?
250 square feet.
Related guides
- Crushed Stone vs Gravel: Differences and Best Uses
- Tons to Cubic Yards for Gravel: Conversion Chart
- How Many Tons of Gravel in a Dump Truck? Loads and Coverage
- How Much Does a Ton of Gravel Cover? Depth Chart
- How Much Decomposed Granite for a 5x30 Walkway?
- How Much Decomposed Granite for a 5x40 Walkway?
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